Brocken, Harz Mountains

More photos

Mountain bikers pump their way up the Brockenstrasse, which is
closed to private cars.

At the Brocken's summit, a plaque shows the elevation (1142
meters or 3,747 feet).

The Brockenmuseum's weather display shows current winds,
temperature, air pressure, and humidity. (During a snowy visit in early March,
when this photo was taken, the wind speed was nearly 71 km/h or about 44 mph.)

When you're inside the Brockenmuseum's former Stasi radio
dome, take a close look at the bolts that hold the dome's panels
together.They're made of compressed paper impregnated with tree-sap resin.

In the cooler months, snow and ice aren't uncommon on the
Brocken. Fortunately, the hotel-restaurant is open year-round, and you can
retreat inside for a hot Schnitzel, a bowl of Gulaschsuppe,
or a Schnapps.

When this photo was taken during an early March blizzard,
visibility at the HSB railroad's Brocken station was virtually non-existent, but
the train had no trouble retreating to warmer (and greener) elevations.

If you live outside the EU, a tax-free Renault or Peugeot tourist car lease can be cheaper than renting for visits of three weeks or longer. Minimum driver age is 18, there' s no upper age limit, and rates include insurance.